That vacation you keep postponing may actually be good for your health.
A long-term study published through the National Library of Medicine found that taking regular vacations could help lower the risk of death, particularly from heart disease. Researchers followed 12,338 middle-aged men who were considered high risk for coronary heart disease over a nine-year period and tracked how often they took annual vacations.
The results were significant. Men who took more frequent vacations had a 17% lower risk of overall mortality and a 29% lower risk of death related to cardiovascular disease. Researchers also found a 32% lower risk of death from coronary heart disease, including heart attacks, among those who vacationed more regularly.
Importantly, researchers adjusted for factors like income, existing health conditions, and lifestyle differences, yet the connection between vacations and better health outcomes remained consistent.
Additional research has supported the findings over the years. One report found that men who skipped annual vacations had about a 20% higher risk of death and roughly a 30% greater risk of death from heart disease. Other studies have linked taking time off with lower stress levels, improved sleep, reduced burnout, and better mental health.
Experts believe vacations may help by lowering chronic stress and encouraging restorative habits like exercise, relaxation, social connection, and better sleep — all factors tied to long-term health and healthy aging. Even short getaways can make a difference, with one survey finding that 89% of people reported feeling relaxed after just one or two days away.
The takeaway is simple: taking time off may not just improve your mood in the moment — it could also support your long-term health.